Member Article

Grant Thornton retains number one position

Experian Corpfin has confirmed Grant Thornton UK LLP as the number one financial adviser to UK companies by deal volume for 2012, with reported deals advised on rising to 121. This is the second year Grant Thornton has topped the annual ranking and was achieved despite the total volume of deals falling by 3% last year.

The technology (30 deals), consumer (21 deals) and manufacturing & industrial (26 deals) sectors were the busiest in terms of deal activity that Grant Thornton advised on during 2012.

Investment into the UK continued in 2012, with 25% of deals taking place across borders, suggesting that businesses are looking outside domestic markets for growth and that the UK is still perceived as a safer haven for investors compared to other European markets.

Steve Hammell, director of Corporate Finance at Grant Thornton in Yorkshire, said: “Despite economic conditions remaining tough throughout 2012, we have grown our market share and are delighted to be confirmed as the number one deal advisers by reported volume of deals. It is not surprising to see technology, consumer and industrial companies continuing to forge deals. Successful companies in these sectors typically rely on intellectual property, brands and technical expertise, providing growth opportunities for domestic and international acquirers.”

Steve continues, “In Yorkshire, we have strong, established businesses that have responded well to the lower growth environment and that are capable of taking their innovative approach to an increasingly international audience. We expect such companies to remain active in the deals market.”

Major deals for Grant Thornton in Yorkshire during 2012 have included advising Cepac on three acquisitions and a refinancing in the packaging sector; and advising on the sale of ADR Accident Repair Centres to AutoRestore.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Grant Thornton .